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In an extraordinary feat of ingenuity and determination, Gary Kristensen, a real estate appraiser from Happy Valley, Oregon, has made headlines by paddling a massive 1,224-pound pumpkin 73.5 kilometers (45.67 miles) down the Columbia River. His remarkable journey, which took place over 26 hours from October 12 to 13, has earned him a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled in a pumpkin boat.
Starting his adventure from North Bonneville, Washington, Kristensen crafted a hand-carved vessel he named “Punky Loafster” from the enormous pumpkin, which he grew specifically for this challenge. The pumpkin, which had a circumference of 429.26 centimeters (169 inches) and weighed an impressive 555.2 kilograms (1,224 pounds), was pollinated on July 14 and harvested on October 4. Kristensen officially weighed and measured it at Bauman’s Harvest Festival in Gervais, Oregon, on October 5.
Kristensen, 46, has been cultivating giant pumpkins since 2011 and carved his first boat-sized pumpkin in 2013 for the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, which he has won for the past four years. “This record attempt was a challenge I had long considered, finally deciding to pursue it this year when I grew a pumpkin suitable for the journey,” he said.
During the paddle, Kristensen faced numerous challenges, including strong winds that reached 56 kilometers per hour (35 mph) and waves that began to wash over the sides of his pumpkin boat. Landing on a safe beach across from Multnomah Falls proved difficult due to thick vegetation in the water. Undeterred, Kristensen used an empty soup can to carve out more pumpkin meat, reducing weight and improving buoyancy for the remainder of the journey.
To capture his experience, Kristensen mounted a camera to the pumpkin with a broomstick, documenting the adventure that has now etched his name in the record books. His inspiring story highlights not only his creative spirit but also the joy of pursuing unique challenges, proving that with a little imagination, even a pumpkin can take you on an unforgettable journey.
Kristensen’s accomplishment is a testament to the creativity and resilience of pumpkin growers and adventurers alike, making him a celebrated figure in both the gardening community and the world of record-breaking feats.
Sources By Agencies
